lds temple mount
orson hyde park 1
petra khazane

Latter-Day Saints 16 Day Israel and Jordan Tour

This special crafted tour is specifically designed  for Latter-Day Saints families and groups. It offers an intense and in-depth excursion of the Holy Land. It covers many of the significant historical landmarks in Israel, with an optional extension of touring Jordan. The destinations are a mix of Old Testament, New Testament, and Mormon heritage related sites. The tour also includes some fun and extreme activities, all combined to generate an awsome and unforgettable experience!

Day 1 – To the Galilee

WELCOME TO ISRAEL! Upon arrival, we will head to the north for a few days. Pending on the time of your landing, we could make a visit to Caesarea, where we will review the wealth of finds, and especially those relating to Paul’s prison (Acts 23-26) and the baptism of Cornelius by Peter (Acts 10).  We could also visit Megiddo, identified in the Apocalypse with “Armageddon” (Rev. 16:16), Mount Tabor, the possible site of the transfiguration (Luke 9), or Nain, where Jesus raised the widow’s son from the dead (Luke 7).

Overnight: Tiberias

Day 2 – Jesus and the Sea of Galilee

This day is devoted to exploring holy Christian sites around the Sea of Galilee. We start with a visit to the first century synagogue discovered in Magdala, the hometown of Mary Magdalene. We continue on to the exhibition of a 2,000 year old wooden boat at Ginosar, known as the “Sea of Galilee Boat”. We could also book a private sail on the Sea of Galilee.  After lunch, at a local fish restaurant, we then drive to the  Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fish (Luke 9), the nearby Church of the Primacy of Peter  (John 21), and of course – Capernaum, the “town of Jesus.” We end the day at the  Mount of Beatitudes, the possible locations of the “Sermon on the mount” (Matt. 5).

Overnight: Tiberias

Day 3 – On the Road to Damascus

golan-heights-bentalHeading to the sources of the Jordan River, at one of its springs we exlpore ancient Caesarea Philippi (Banias), where Jesus named Simon- Yona “Peter”. Next we head up the Golan Heights, along the possible historical path “On the Road to Damascus” (Acts 9).  In the Golan heights, we have a special Druze lunch and hospitality experience, followed by a panoramic view from the top of Mt. Bental. We will also drive along the Syrian border and learn about the modern conflicts in this region.

Overnight: Tiberias

Day 4 – Nazareth and its Vicinity

Focusing today on Jesus’ childhood in the Galilee our first stop today will be te Wedding Church at Cana. Here we will learn about Jesus’ First Miracle (John 2), and possibly conduct a renewal of the vows ceremony.  Next, we will head to Jesus’ hometown  –  Nazareth. After seeing its main spring (Mary’s Well) we will  stroll through the local market to reach the uniquly named Synagogue Church. Next will be the complex of the Church of Annunciation. Here, by centuries old tradition, Mary was announced on her immaculate conception, and next door is the home of the holy family when Jesus was growing up. If time permits, we will also drive to Mount Precipice before heading to Jerusalem.

Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 5 – Biblical Jerusalem

The first day in Jerusalem will be devoted to learning how the city was founded exploring the City of David. Under the Visitor Center we assess possible remains of King David’s Palace. Nearby, we can also review the Canaanite-era Cultic center (Malchizedek’s Temple?).Heading underground, we walk from the Gihon Spring along the Canaanite Tunnel, to the Pool of Siloam, also known for Jesus’ healing of a blind man (John 9). We continue into the old city by walking along the underground Herodian Era Drainage Channel, up to the Western wall at the Southern Wall Archaeological Park. After a lunch break in the Jewish Quarter, we could visit the Temple Institute, and the possible location of Jesus’ interogation and arrest by the High Priest in the Herodian Quarter. We will also review some remains of Jerusalem’s fortifications from the time of King Zedekiah. These might be the wall and gate mentioned in I Nephi 4:5. We end the day with visit to the site of the Last Supper (Cenacle) on Mount Zion. If time permits, we will also visit the sites of the Pentacost event and the rest place of Mary (Dormition Abbey), the First Century Church on Mount Zion?, and the site of Peter’s denial of Jesus (Petrus in Gallicantu).

Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 6 – Following Jesus in Jerusalem

We start the day at the famous Mount of Olives Viewpoint, where we can also visit the Chapel of the Ascension, the site where Jesus’ taught the Lord’s Prayer and the site where the Lord Wept (Dominus Flevit ). At the foot of Mount of Olives, we will visit the Garden of Gethsemane and Grotto, and Mary’s Tomb. Nearby, we can also visit Orson Hyde Park. We then enter the old city throught the Lions Gate, and visit the Pools of Bethesda, where Jesus healed a sick man (John 5). Next, we will join the Via DolorosaThis is the holy path, by Christian tradition, from the place of Jesus’ trial to the site of his crucifixion – the Golgotha. After a lunch break along the way will reach Church of the Holy Sepulchre to see the Golgthotha and possibly enter the Tomb of Jesus.

Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 7 (FRI) – Tracing Goliath, Samson – and Lehi

A day devoted to the low hill country side of Israel (the Shephela) will start at ancient Beth Shemesh, where we will learn about the capture of the Ark of the Covenant by the Philistines, as well as the unsuccessful love affairs of Samson.  We then continue to the  battle site of David and Goliath, and possibly collect a few pebbles from the local brook (deadly weapons as David proved…).  After lunch, we explore the major Biblical site Tel Lachish.  If we set off-road transportation, we could drive to the site related to the estate of Lehi – Khirbet Beit Loya / Beit Lehi. If time and will permits, on the way back to Tel-Aviv we could also visit Emmaus-Nicopolis, where Jesus appeared after his resurrection according to Luke (24:13-31).

Overnight: Tel-Aviv

Day 8 (Saturday) – BYU and Bethlehem

LDS tours to Israel

Saturday (Shabbath) will start with attending morning prayers at the beautiful Brigham Young University Jerusalem Center campus on Mount Scopus, followed by a return to Orson Hyde memorial park on Mount of Olives, visit the Garden Tomb, and a shopping opportunity at Jimmy’s Bazaar.  Later, you will be lead by a Palestinian guide into Bethlehem, and learn about the birth of Jesus at the Church of Nativity. If time permits, you may also visit the Shepherds’ Field and Herodium.

Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 9 – Tour of the Dead Sea

Heading to the lowest dry land on the planet, we pass by Jericho and visit the baptism site (“Qasr el-Yahud”), where we could also conduct a baptism ceremony. Next, we review the caves where the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were found (Qumran). Among others, this is where the Copper Scroll was found. Its discovery forms a great parallel to the story of hiding the Brass Plates in antiquity. Further south we will pass by the desert oasis of Ein Gedi, and possibly spot some of the local ibex. The final focal point will be on the magnificent site of Masada, famed for its dramatic and tragic history. We end the day with an optional swim at the Dead Sea.

Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 10 – Temple Mount and the Israel Museum

An early start will take us up to the Temple Mount, where we will be able to appreciate its current architecture and also learn about remains from the Jewish Temple period on the Temple Mount. We then continue to the Israel Museum, to see the famous Dead Sea Scrolls at the Shrine of the Book, assess Jerusalem at the time of Jesua at the First Century Model of Jerusalem, and review the highlights at the museum’s Archaeological Wing. If time and will permits we could also drive to Ein Karem and visit sites related to the childhood of John the Baptist, or visit the Israeli National monument in memory of the Holocaust – Yad Vashem.

Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 11 – Jaffa and Tel-Aviv

The last day of our tour will be devoted to Old Jaffa and modern Tel-Aviv. We start with a review of remains from Canaanite times at Ramesses II’s Gate Garden, and then search for the House of Simon the Tanner at the Armenian home of the Zakarians.  We continue to modern Tel Aviv, and at Rothschild Boulevard present the site where the modern State of Israel was declared (“Independence Hall“), as well as Rabin Assassination site.

Overnight: Tel-Aviv

Day 12 – Tabernacle in the Wilderness

tabernacle

A 5-hour drive will get us to Eilat, with an optional stop along the way at Tel Be’er Sheva, Abraham’s Well in Beer-Sheva, or the Tabernacle Replica in Timna Nature Reserve. The model presents both the exterior and the interior of the biblical tabernacle, and possibly where it was actually located (!).

Upon reaching Eilat we could go for a snorkeling or Scuba diving experience on the Red Sea, and possibly combine it with a sail on a yacht.

Overnight: Eilat

Day 13 – Off-Road in Wadi Rum

After breakfast you will be drive to the border crossing into Jordan near Eilat. Upon entering Jordan your Jordanian guide will take you first to Aqaba. The modern city is known for its big port, but its historical part bears a medieval fort, and a colossal scale flag commemorating the 1917  “Great Arab Revolt”. Next we will head to the iconic nature reserve of Wadi Rum. Famed for its Martian like landscape, we will have an off-road or ATV tour and combine it with a Bedouin style lunch.  The night could be in a Bedouin tent in Wadi Rum, or a more conventional hotel next to Petra.

Overnight: Wadi Rum or Petra

Day 14 – Petra and Lot’s Cave

petra khazaneAn early start will get you into the legendary site of Petra before the heat – and the crowds (!). You will first walk through its famous narrow gorge (the Siq), until the iconic “Al-Khazane”. This fantastic tomb façade is one of the best-preserved works of art from Roman times. Its details are a fantastic mix of western and local Nabatean styles. Next, you will walk next to the city’s theatre, and along its main street, down to its markets and temples area. If time and will permit, we could include a hike to Ad Deir monument or the High Place of Sacrifice. Around noon, we will head north, with optional stops at the Medieval castle of Shobak, the Byzantine traditional site of Lot’s Cave or Bab Edh-Dhra, said to be site of biblical Sodom and Gomorrah.

Overnight: Kempinski Dead Sea or Ma’in Hot Springs

Day 15 – Mount Nebo and the Promised Land

A steep and winding road brings you to one of the of the most under rated sites in Christian history – Machaerus. This desert fortress built by Herod was the execution site of John the Baptist, as recorded both by the Gospels and Josephus. We will hike to the top and review the remains from Roman times, and reflect on the gloomy end of the forerunner of Jesus. Next, we will drive to Mount Nebo, the site where Moses saw the Promised Land, but did not enter it! The great panoramas of the Jordan valley and the Dead Sea are complemented by well restored ancient church complex. We end the day with a visit to Madaba map, an amazing discovery of a mosaic floor depicting in great details the Holy Land in the late Byzantine period.

Overnight: Madaba or Amman

Day 16 – Baptism Site

Depending on the time of your departure from Amman, on the last day, we could visit the Jordanian side of John the Baptist baptism site (“Bethany beyond the Jordan”). We could also explore Amman, and especially the new archaeological musuem where the significant “Copper Scroll” is now on display, before flying out from Amman’s airport.

Farewell!

Contact us to inquire more about a private LDS tour to Israel and Jordan


    We just returned from an 8-day tour with Danny, including Jerusalem, Dead Sea, Masada, Megiddo, the Galilee area and Caesarea. I cannot say enough good about Danny and his team! Danny has the perfect blend of archeological knowledge, cultural history and religious background to tie-in the significance of each ancient site, regardless of your background. He is passionate about sharing his expertise and helping you have an amazing experience in the Holy Land. He is extremely flexible. He wants your tour to be tailor-made for you. He also works hard to accommodate last-minute requests along the way. I would recommend Danny to all of my friends and family who want an amazing experience in the Holy Land. Thank you, Danny!!

    Charles H., USA

    Touring Israel with Danny was an incredible experience! I can’t imagine how the trip would have been without his help and expertise— he has the answer to all of your questions! I really appreciated his vast knowledge especially in archaeology which helped to bring biblical stories to life. Danny is also a celebrity! We were stopped multiple times on our tour by other tour guides who knew him either from taking his classes, watching his vlogs, or following him on social media..

    Hailey H., USA

    Danny is hands down the BEST tour guide in all Israel. Anyone who’s anyone should go to Danny for a tour of the Holy Land. Not only can he answer literally any question you have he is a comedian as well! 10/10 experience would do again and would recommend a friend.

    Kiera H., USA

    As I mentioned, I can’t say enough nice things about him.. You will have such a great time!..

    Brady S., USA

    Your tours haven been amazing! We have been so blessed by your expertise and the way in which you conduct your tours. My reading of the scriptures will never be the same because of this experience. Thank you so very much!

    Charles H., USA

    Danny knows the sites of Israel from so many different perspectives- not the least of which is the archeological expertise he brings to the table. Danny is one of a kind - I'd recommend him for any length of tour for any age group on any day of the week! My experience was eye opening and life-shifting. Loved every moment. Best tour guide experience I've ever had!

    Hillary T., USA

    Daniel provided the single best guided tour experience our family has ever had! Daniel's knowledge of the Holy Land is the very best - and he magically weaved lessons on history, archeology, and religion into every site visit - in a way that fascinated my entire family (inc 2 teenagers, 2 young adults). We all learned and had experiences we will never forget. The entire experience was top notch and well planned - Danny knows everyone and how to get things done. Don't hesitate. Book Danny the Digger now!

    J.B. T., USA

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